A region, a garden, a frame of mind…

Honfluer

The old harbor guarded by the Lieutenance building, with its old gate to the city.

Honfluer, a 17th century harbor located on the southern bank of the estuary of the Seine, has been on the map for more than a millennium. Though still an active fishing port and marina, it is also a busy tourist attraction with many historic sites, a handful of museums, and plenty of shopping. When your feet become weary, there’s always a table along the harbor to relish a good meal and glass of wine, along with the sites and sounds of the picturesque village. For the group I led to France this summer, it was the perfect idyll between a varied array of gardens.

Can you imagine anything more beautiful than the old harbor of Honfluer?

Taking in the long view.

The wooden bell tower of Cloche Sainte-Catherine.

In years gone by, Honfluer was the port of origin for expeditions to Quebec. It was also a favorite subject of Impressionists, such as Monet and Boudin, who painted the churches, street scenes, and traditional slate-covered houses in every light. The Musee Eugene Boudin, just a short walk up the hill from the harbor, houses 92 of those works, along with other exhibits.

Well-known landmarks include the wooden bell tower of Cloche Sainte-Catherine, which was erected by ship builders, and the Lieutenance building, former home of the Governor of Honfluer, entrance to the old harbor, and the backdrop to millions of photos.

Ginny–The trips are posted on my (very basic) website, http://www.marianstclair.com. France was in June and England (September) is sold out, but you can get an idea of detail and expense if you want to take a look now. Trips for next year will be posted around the first of October but I will also put a notice on Hortitopia. Would love to have you!